Funding win for new library in Young

13/06/2018

Hilltops Council has been successful in its application to the State Government’s Regional Cultural Fund for $3 million to go towards a new library for Young. Deputy Premier, John Barilaro was in Young with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke to share the great news.

“The Regional Cultural Fund had an enormous number of applications from across the State and I am thrilled to see this significant investment in vitally important cultural and social infrastructure coming to my electorate,” shared Ms Cooke.

Deputy Mayor Tony Wallace said the funding was very welcome and will help to ensure the much-needed improvement of the Young library takes place.

“As a strong public advocate for a new library over many years, I am particularly thrilled about this announcement. Modern libraries provide not only learning and educational opportunities for people of all ages, but they facilitate community. In an increasingly isolating world, communities are integral for society and libraries deliver this. They are today's temples of culture.”

Council is currently exploring a partnership with School Infrastructure NSW - a centre of excellence and dedicated delivery unit for planning, delivery and maintenance of NSW public schools - for the planning and feasibility of a joint-use library facility accessible to both the school and the community.
“We have a responsibility to ensure we consider the interests of all ratepayers and residents both now and into the future.”

"Council is working hard to understand the benefits and intricacies of the joint-use arrangement including the ongoing operating costs of the facility. We want to ensure the joint-use facility will have the best outcome for the community and school students,” shared Clr Wallace.

“It is clear that by working together we can pool our resources to not only have a brilliant new library but to also provide facilities to our community that currently don’t exist including a wellbeing hub, arts workshop and gallery space and a Wiradjuri learning and cultural centre.”

Council has $3.5 million worth of funding already allocated to a new library facility which is made up of $1.5 million coming from Council in its Long Term Financial Plan and another $2 million from the Stronger Communities amalgamation funding.

The Regional Cultural Fund is investing $100 million to drive growth in arts, screen, cultural and heritage infrastructure for the social, cultural and economic benefit of communities in regional NSW. The application process was very competitive with our project being one of 68 projects across the state selected for funding.